The Lemon Index
20192021Complaints only. Tesla doesn't report U.S. sales by model, and no estimate covers this model year on its own, so there's no per-car score. Owners filed 280 complaints in its first 3 years.
280 owner complaints, first 3 years 113–141 MPGe combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2020 BMW 3 Series 422020 Audi A42020 Lexus IS
Lemon Index: 100 = the average car, lower is better.
What breaks most on the 2020 Tesla Model 3
- Phantom braking (collision system)59 complaints
- Ball joint / control arm29 complaintsmostly at 2,000–9,000 miles (3,200–14,000 km)
Specific parts named in the 454 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Tesla Model 3 (all dates). Miles = the odometer owners typed in (middle half); cost = the repair bills owners wrote in those same complaints, in U.S. dollars. Owners' reports, not confirmed defects.
When problems show up
Most problems on this year showed up between 600 and 10,000 miles (965–16,000 km) (the middle half of the 67 complaints, of all 280 filed so far, that listed a mileage).
- At 60K, 100K and 150K miles (97K, 161K and 241K km) Past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most.
This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not the odds that one car will have it.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 26V507000 (lights), 24V935000 (tires) and 24V376000 (seat belts) done? It has 21 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Has it ever braked hard for no reason? Ask whether the safety-system software was updated.
- Does it accelerate and hold speed smoothly, with no surging or stalling?
- Do the brakes feel even, with no ABS or brake warning light? When were the pads and brake fluid last done?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Tesla's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 280 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 0K to 10K miles (1K to 16K km) on the car (67 of all 280 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
Autopilot regularly will panic brake (phantom brake) it also will often randomly change the set cruise control speed from 70 to 35 or from 75 to 35. This is a dangerous system that should not be allowed on the road.
2020 Tesla Model 3 owner · NHTSA complaint 11468878
More owner reports
Sudden acceleration while driving and at stop sign
NHTSA complaint 11539459
When on cruise control or autopilot, car stops abruptly going from 65 mph on the highway to 38 mph before I can override and take control. There is no apparent reason. This happens on a clear open highway.
NHTSA complaint 11301406
Recalls 21
- Lights · recall issued 2026 New: most likely still open
The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output.
- Tires · recall issued 2024
The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure.
- Seat belts · recall issued 2024
In the event of an unbelted driver, the seat belt warning light and audible chime may not activate as intended.
Show all 21 recalls
- Automatic emergency braking · recall issued 2024
A factory reset muted the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds.
- Electrical · recall issued 2024
An incorrect font size is displayed on the instrument panel for the Brake, Park, and Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning lights.
- Electrical · recall issued 2023
In certain circumstances when Autosteer is engaged, the prominence and scope of the feature's controls may not be sufficient to prevent driver misuse of the SAE Level 2 advanced driver-assistance feature.
- Steering · recall issued 2023
The FSD Beta system may allow the vehicle to act unsafe around intersections, such as traveling straight through an intersection while in a turn-only lane, entering a stop sign-controlled intersection without coming to a…
- Seat belts · recall issued 2022
The second-row left seat belt buckle and second-row center seat belt anchor may have been incorrectly reassembled during vehicle service.
- Visibility · recall issued 2022
The window automatic reversal system may not react correctly after detecting an obstruction.
- Electrical · recall issued 2022
The unit of speed (mph or km/h) may fail to display on the speedometer while in Track Mode.
- Electrical · recall issued 2022
The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds.
- Back over prevention · recall issued 2022
The rearview image may not immediately display when the vehicle begins to reverse.
- Electrical · recall issued 2022
The Boombox function allows sounds to be played through an external speaker while the vehicle is in motion, which may obscure the Pedestrian Warning System (PWS) sounds.
- Electrical · recall issued 2022
The audible chime may not activate when the vehicle starts and the driver has not buckled their seat belt.
- Electrical · recall issued 2022
The "rolling stop" functionality available as part of the Full Self-Driving (Beta) software may allow the vehicle to travel through an all-way stop intersection without first coming to a stop.
- Electrical · recall issued 2021
The rearview camera cable harness may be damaged by the opening and closing of the trunk lid, preventing the rearview camera image from displaying.
- Automatic emergency braking · recall issued 2021
A communication error may cause false forward-collision warning (FCW) or unexpected activation of the automatic emergency brake (AEB) system.
- Airbags · recall issued 2021
The left and/or right side curtain air bag may have been improperly secured to the roof rail, which could result in a twisted air bag.
- Suspension · recall issued 2021
The front suspension lateral link fasteners may loosen, allowing the lateral link to separate from the sub-frame.
- Seat belts · recall issued 2021
One or both fasteners that secure the front seat shoulder belt to the b-pillar may not be properly attached.
- Brakes · recall issued 2021
The brake caliper bolts may be loose, allowing the brake caliper to separate and contact the wheel rim.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Tesla Model 3 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Tesla Model S (All Variants) 5 HB AWD | not rated | not rated | not rated | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $550–$650 (USD) a year in electricity (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year).
Every Tesla Model 3 year. 2020 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2020 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/tesla-model-3/?y=2020" title="Tesla Model 3 reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="307" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/tesla-model-3/2020/">Lemon Index</a> (2020 Tesla Model 3 reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2020 Tesla Model 3 reliable?
We can't score it: Tesla doesn't report U.S. sales by model, and no estimate covers this model year on its own, so there is no per-car rate. Owners filed 280 complaints with NHTSA in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2020 Tesla Model 3 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are automatic emergency braking (63%), speed control (21%) and brakes (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Tesla Model 3 have?
21 safety recalls (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2020 Tesla Model 3 safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2020 Tesla Model 3 problems show up?
Most problems on this year showed up between 600 and 10,000 miles (965–16,000 km) (the middle half of the 67 complaints, of all 280 filed so far, that listed a mileage). At 60K, 100K and 150K miles, a 2020 is past the range where most problems showed up: it has likely had them or dodged them, so repair records matter most. This is when owners who had a problem reported it, not a prediction for one car.
Does the 2020 Tesla Model 3 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2020 Tesla Model 3 cost in fuel a year?
About $550 to $650 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works